Boracay, the Philippines’ gem of the sea, has made its mark once again on the international stage by landing the 10th spot in Travel + Leisure’s “Favorite Islands in the World 2023” list. Despite stiff competition from destinations like Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Islands and the Maldives, Boracay managed to maintain its place in the top ten.
The island, known for its creamy-white powdery sand, was rated based on five critical categories: natural attractions/beaches, activities/sights, restaurants/food, people/friendliness, and value. With a remarkable score of 92.94%, Boracay proved its worth as a top-tier destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Readers of the prestigious publication were drawn to the island’s vibrant energy, earning it the nickname “the island that never sleeps.” From pulsating nightlife to daytime activities, Boracay has something to offer to every visitor1. According to one T+L reader, the island is “the best leisure vacation destination.
Tourist arrivals in Boracay hit a total of 1.14 million in the first half of the year, with domestic travelers constituting a massive 79% of the total. The rest of the visitors consisted of 19% foreign tourists and 2.4% overseas Filipino workers or overseas Filipinos.
Interestingly, the number of domestic arrivals for the first half of 2023 represents an astounding 96.5% of the entire domestic tourist numbers for 2019. This statistic reflects a significant shift in the island’s visitor demographics, highlighting the resilience of domestic tourism in the face of global travel disruptions.
The recognition by Travel + Leisure comes as a strong endorsement for Boracay, further bolstering the local government’s confidence in the island’s potential to attract more tourists.
Despite the slight dip from last year’s 9th place ranking, Boracay’s consistent position within the top ten signals the island’s enduring appeal as a top-notch vacation spot.
This achievement is not just a triumph for Boracay but for the Philippines as a whole, spotlighting the country’s ability to offer world-class tourist destinations.
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